X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

2017 MLB Closer Depth Chart: American League West

By EricEnfermero (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

David Marcillo examines closer depth charts in the AL West, projecting saves and holds opportunities for fantasy baseball owners in the 2017 MLB season.

Let's head out west for the final early-Spring Training MLB Closer Depth Chart article. The American League West has many intriguing arms, but very few set roles. As Spring Training and the World Baseball Classic move along, there will (hopefully) be more clarity in terms of eighth and ninth inning roles out west, but for now, most AL West bullpens are that cluttered drawer that everyone has in their kitchen. You know there is some good stuff in there, you just don't know how you're going to use it.

Today we are here to discuss the closer depth chart for the AL West, including fantasy baseball items like closers, saves, and holds. To read about the other divisions, just click here.

Here's a look at the back of the bullpen depth charts for the division.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy baseball lineup tools and resources:

 

Houston Astros

Closer: Ken Giles

Volatility Rating: Volatile

Other Relevant RPs: Will Harris, Luke Gregerson

The Houston Astros bullpen is kind of a mess, but it's not really a bad thing. They have three very capable closers in Ken Giles, Will Harris, and Luke Gregerson. All three could close for a big league team right now and do well, however, all three are in the same bullpen so their roles need to be sorted out somehow. Astros manager A.J. Hinch has said that "more often than not" it will be Giles that will be in there for the ninth inning. He also mentioned, though, that he is not married to the idea and that he has no problem mixing and matching. So basically, it seems like Giles is the closer, but he's on the shortest leash imaginable. With a pair of talented bullpen arms behind him, that's not the ideal spot. Still, Giles is dripping with elite closer upside, as he struck out 102 in 65 2/3 innings last season. He did struggle a bit, however, posting a 4.11 ERA and a 1.29 WHIP. He ended the season as the closer, and saved 15 games in 2016. If he can cement the role, he has a chance to be one of the better fantasy closers around, but there's that pesky short leash to worry about.

Behind Giles, at least for now, are Will Harris and Luke Gregerson who had 12 and 15 saves last season, respectively. Both spent time as the closer for the Astros, and both have a chance to do so again this season depending on how things unfold. For now though, they are both setup men, and can be elite options in holds leagues. Harris posted 28 holds with a 2.25 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP along with 69 strikeouts in 64 innings. Meanwhile, Gregerson's ERA stood at 3.28 with a 0.97 WHIP and 15 holds. He struck out 67 in 57.2 innings. In a SVHD league, any of these three should be excellent options. In a standard league, Giles is the one to target now, but keep an eye on any bullpen noise coming out of Houston.

Fantasy must-own: The Houston Astros Closer (Ken Giles right now, but subject to change)

Worth fantasy consideration: The Houston Astros Setup Men (Will Harris and Luke Gregerson right now, but subject to change- both would be valuable in holds leagues)

 

Los Angeles Angels

Closer: Huston Street

Volatility Rating: Somewhat Volatile

Other Relevant RPs: Cam Bedrosian, Andrew Bailey

Los Angeles Angels manager Mike Scioscia has said that Huston Street, Cam Bedrosian, and Andrew Bailey will all compete for the Angels ninth inning job this Spring. Street has had the job over the past few seasons, but he struggled through an injury-plagued season to a 6.45 ERA and a 1.93 WHIP in 22 1/3 innings. If Street can stay healthy and pitch even somewhat decently, he figures to be named the closer before the season starts. If this is the case, he is an extremely low-upside closer who should be owned only in deep leagues and AL-only. Andrew Bailey finished up last season as the closer for the Angels, saving 12 games and putting up about a strikeout per inning. Now for the ugly: he had a 5.36 ERA and a 1.33 WHIP. Still, he figures to work as a setup man, but shouldn't be on many fantasy rosters.

Finally, Cam Bedrosian is legitimately the most interesting arm in the Los Angeles of Anaheim bullpen. Bedrosian is also part of the "competition" for the closer's role, but despite the fact that he will almost certainly outperform Street in Cactus League play, Bedrosian should start the season in a setup role. He would seem to be next in line for the ninth inning if (when?) Street struggles or gets hurt in the regular season. In 2016, Bedrosian pitched 40 1/3 innings, striking out 51 and posting a 1.12 ERA/1.09 WHIP. He's a great bullpen arm worth a roster spot in holds leagues and worth keeping an eye on in all formats in case he takes over the ninth inning sooner than later.

Fantasy must-own: None (Huston Street in deep leagues and AL-only)

Worth fantasy consideration: Cam Bedrosian (in holds leagues, and as next in line after Street)

 

Oakland Athletics

Closer: Ryan Madson?

Volatility Rating: Extremely Volatile

Other Relevant RPs: Sean Doolittle, Santiago Casilla, John Axford

The Oakland Athletics have four experienced closers in their bullpen in Ryan Madson, Sean Doolittle, Santiago Casilla, and John Axford. None of them are top-tier elite bullpen options, but all of them have been solid, effective closers very recently. Last season, Madson saved 30 games for the A's, posting a 3.62 ERA and 1.28 WHIP. He struck out only 49 in 64 2/3 innings. He would seem to be the front runner for the 2017 closer's role since he's the incumbent, but manager Bob Melvin has already said that he would like to use multiple options out of the pen this season. He also mentioned that Spring Training performance won't matter much in terms of making bullpen decisions. Basically, this will be a bullpen to avoid in standard leagues. That being said, there is still value to be had out of Oakland in holds leagues.

Sean Doolittle missed a lot of time last season due to a shoulder injury, but was mostly effective when on the mound and has been an excellent closer in the past. In 2016, he put up a 3.23 ERA with a 1.05 WHIP, striking out 45 over 39 innings and securing 10 holds and 4 saves. Santiago Casilla signed a two-year, $11 million deal with the A's this offseason. The former San Francisco Giants closer saved 31 games in 2016 while pitching to a 3.57 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP. He struck out over a batter per inning, with 65 Ks in 58 innings. Both Casilla and Doolittle (and even John Axford) could be worth owning in holds leagues, but for now, the A's bullpen remains one of the most confusing in terms of fantasy in the whole league.

Fantasy must-own: None for now

Worth fantasy consideration: Ryan Madson, Sean Doolittle, Santiago Casilla, John Axford

 

Seattle Mariners

Closer: Edwin Diaz

Volatility Rating: Solid

Other Relevant RPs: Steve Cishek, Nick Vincent

The Seattle Mariners have a closer who was a rookie last season and is already flirting with entering the elite tier. Edwin Diaz saved 18 games in 2016 while posting a 2.79 ERA and 1.16 WHIP. Most impressively, he struck out 88 in 51 2/3 innings. Not satisfied with those gaudy numbers, Diaz has reportedly been working on a change up all offseason and in Spring Training. He's a great fantasy option and could work his way up to being among the best.

Behind him in the pecking order lie Nick Vincent and Steve Cishek. Vincent has intriguing upside, as he had an eye-opening 65:15 strikeout to walk ratio across 60 1/3 innings in 2016. He pitched to a 3.73 ERA/1.13 WHIP and is likely to work as the team's primary setup man. He's  a good bet to return nice value in holds leagues. Former closer Steve Cishek is a step behind Vincent and a leap behind Diaz, but he still may have fantasy value this season. He's currently recovering from offseason labrum and micro-fracture surgery, so he's almost certain to start the season on the disabled list. Once he returns though, he should work his way back into a setup role. Last season, he collected 25 saves and posted a 2.81 ERA with a 1.02 WHIP. His 76 strikeouts in 64 innings were nice as well. He should be worthy of a roster spot in holds leagues once he's back on the mound, but the uncertainty around his recovery means he does not need to be drafted before the season begins.

Fantasy must-owns: Edwin Diaz (all formats)

Worth fantasy consideration: Nick Vincent (holds leagues), Steve Cishek (deeper holds leagues)

 

Texas Rangers

Closer: Sam Dyson

Volatility Rating: Solid

Other Relevant RPs: Matt Bush, Jeremy Jeffress

From the untapped upside of Keone Kela to the finally-tapped upside of Matt Bush to solid groundball machine Sam Dyson, the Texas Rangers have an interesting set of arms in their bullpen. Closer Sam Dyson sprained his wrist in a fall and is currently recovering, but his injury is not serious and will not prevent him from pitching in the World Baseball Classic, let alone once the regular season starts. Dyson saved 38 games for the Rangers last season, posting a 2.43 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP. He only struck out 55 in 70 1/3 innings, but he's always been a groundball machine and not a guy with huge strikeout numbers. This limits his fantasy upside, of course, but he's still a good bet for somewhere around 40 saves and a good ERA.

Matt Bush certainly took an interesting route to get to the Rangers eighth inning last season, but once he got there, he was excellent. He collected 22 holds while posting a 2.48 ERA/0.94 WHIP. His 61:14 strikeout to walk ratio in 61 2/3 innings was excellent as well. The Rangers flirted with the idea of stretching Bush out into a starter, but recently confirmed that he would indeed begin the season in the bullpen. He's a great option in holds leagues. Jeremy Jeffress is also a decent holds league option, as he had a 2.33 ERA and a 1.26 WHIP for the season while saving 27 games before being traded. Similar to Dyson, he's not a huge strikeout guy (42 in 58 innings) so his upside is limited.

Fantasy must-owns: Sam Dyson (all formats)

Worth fantasy consideration: Matt Bush (all holds leagues), Jeremy Jeffress (deeper holds leagues)

 

More Bullpens & Closers Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Parker Washington

Scores Two Touchdowns in Week 10 Loss
Ladd McConkey

Leads Chargers With 107 Yards, Touchdown in Week 10 Win
Oronde Gadsden

Questionable to Return on Sunday Night With Knee Injury
Tez Johnson

Continues Rookie Ascent, Scores Two Touchdowns in Week 10 Loss
Luke Kennard

Ending Two-Game Absence Monday
Kyren Williams

Scores Twice in Week 10 Victory
Larry Nance Jr.

Questionable for Meeting With Heat
Dereck Lively II

Likely to Remain on Shelf Monday
Jameson Williams

Steps Up in Second Half, Finishes With Over 100 Yards
Daniel Gafford

Listed as Questionable for Monday
Emmanuel Clase

Indicted on Gambling Charges, Facing 65 Years in Prison
Yves Missi

in Danger of Missing Fourth Consecutive Game
Trey McBride

has Epic Performance in Ugly Defeat
Nickeil Alexander-Walker

Iffy for Monday
Kristaps Porzingis

Returns to Action Monday
Randy Brown

Suffers Second-Round TKO Loss
Jalen Johnson

Could Remain Out Monday
Matthew Stafford

Throws for Another Four Touchdowns in Week 10
Kawhi Leonard

to Miss "Next Few Games"
Jahmyr Gibbs

Scores Three Times as Lions Dismantle Commanders
Gabriel Bonfim

Extends His Win Streak
Omarion Hampton

Sheds Walking Boot as Recovery Continues
Bradley Beal

Questionable to Suit Up Monday
Jalen Green

Ruled Out for Monday
Brock Purdy

Has a Real Chance to Play in Week 11
Joseph Morales

Gets First-Round Submission Win
Khris Middleton

Back in Wizards Lineup Monday
Bilal Coulibaly

to Miss Third Straight Game Monday
Davante Adams

Dealing with Oblique Injury After Week 10 Win
Scoot Henderson

Unavailable Monday
Matt Schnell

Suffers First-Round Submission Loss
Al Horford

Suiting Up on Sunday
Collin Sexton

Available Against Lakers
Klay Thompson

Available Monday
Muslim Salikhov

Suffers First-Round TKO Loss
Josh Giddey

Listed as Questionable for Monday
Bam Knight

Questionable to Return with Ankle Injury
Darius Garland

Returning to Cavaliers Lineup Monday
Chris Rodriguez Jr.

Questionable to Return with Shoulder Injury
Uros Medic

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Miles Bridges

Iffy for Monday's Contest
Davante Adams

Injures Back, Questionable to Return in Week 10
LaMelo Ball

to Remain Out Against Lakers
Ismael Bonfim

Loses Back-to-Back Fights
Chris Padilla

Remains Unbeaten In The UFC
Chris Olave

has 100-Yard Performance in Upset Win Over Panthers
Nico Collins

Surpasses 100-Yard Mark in Win Over Jaguars
Kasperi Kapanen

Targeting December Return
Jalen Nailor

Goes Over 100 Yards in Loss
Mattias Janmark

Likely to Make Season Debut Monday
Zach Hyman

to Remain Out Monday
Ryan Strome

Available Sunday
Cole Perfetti

in Line for Season Debut Sunday
Pierre-Luc Dubois

to Miss 3-4 Months
Rashod Bateman

Seen in Walking Boot, Diagnosed with High-Ankle Sprain
Detroit Lions

Dan Campbell Appears to Take Over Play-Calling for Lions Offense
Marco Tulio

Suffers His First UFC Loss
TreVeyon Henderson

Capitalizes on Increased Opportunity with Two Scores
Christian Leroy Duncan

Scores Second-Round Knockout Victory
Scott Laughton

to Miss Sunday's Action
Ryan McDonagh

Exits With Injury Saturday
William Karlsson

Out Day-to-Day
Warren Foegele

Ready to Rejoin Kings Lineup Sunday
Jalen Chatfield

Out Indefinitely
Dougie Hamilton

to Miss at Least One Week
Ryker Evans

Comes Off Injured Reserve
Joey Daccord

Kraken Place Joey Daccord on Injured Reserve
Jordan Kyrou

Rejoins Blues Lineup Saturday
Anthony Cirelli

Won't Play on Saturday
Casey Mittelstadt

Misses Meeting With Maple Leafs
Charlie McAvoy

Sits Out Saturday's Game
Sean Monahan

a Game-Time Decision Saturday
Artemi Panarin

Ends Dry Spell With Three-Point Outing
Marcus Johansson

Extends Point Streak to Eight Games
Aaron Judge

Headlines AL Silver Slugger Award Winners
Shohei Ohtani

Headlines List of NL Silver Slugger Winners
MLB

Munetaka Murakami Officially Being Posted on Friday
Randy Brown

Set For UFC Vegas 111 Main Event
Gabriel Bonfim

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Joseph Morales

A Favorite At UFC Vegas 111
Matt Schnell

Set For UFC Vegas 111 Co-Main Event
Uros Medic

Aims To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Muslim Salikhov

Looks For His Fourth Consecutive Win
Chris Padilla

Looks To Remain Unbeaten In The UFC
Ismael Bonfim

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Marco Tulio

Looks To Remain Undefeated In The UFC
Christian Leroy Duncan

Set To Open Up UFC Vegas 111 Main Card
Kyle Tucker

Headlines List of 13 Players to Receive Qualifying Offers
Pete Fairbanks

Becomes a Free Agent
CFB

Luke Fickell Will Return as Wisconsin's Head Coach in 2026
Bo Bichette

Blue Jays Extend Qualifying Offer to Bo Bichette
Craig Stammen

Named Padres New Manager
Jorge Polanco

Declines his 2026 Option to Become a Free Agent
Chris Sale

Braves Picking Up Chris Sale's 2026 Option
Michael Thorbjornsen

Poised to Continue Hot Play in Mexico
Davis Riley

Struggling to Find Form Ahead of World Wide Technology Championship
Taylor Montgomery

Leaning on Putter at World Wide Technology Championship
Stephan Jaeger

Offers Strong Value at World Wide Technology Championship
Ben Griffin

Looks to Stay Hot at El Cardonal
Nick Dunlap

Looking to Find His Game at El Cardonal
Wyndham Clark

Searching for Consistency at El Cardonal
Michael Brennan

Aims to Extend Fairytale Start at El Cardonal
Shane Bieber

Staying in Toronto for 2026
Salvador Perez

Agrees to Two-Year Extension With Royals
Trevor Story

Opts in for Remaining Two Years on his Contract
Yu Darvish

to Miss All of 2026 Following Flexor-Tendon Surgery
Shota Imanaga

Becomes a Free Agent
Luis Robert Jr.

White Sox Pick Up 2026 Option on Luis Robert Jr.
CFB

LJ Martin Expected to Play in Top-10 Matchup Against Texas Tech
PGA

LIV Golf Expanding To 72-Hole Format In 2026

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP